Molecular Imaging of Neurodegenerative Disorders

This book provides a comprehensive review of the role of molecular imaging in neurodegenerative diseases. A growing field, molecular imaging of neurodegeneration is becoming increasingly relevant with an aging population, and this book serves to provide both an introduction to the concept and background of neurodegeneration and an update on the most recent imaging advances.

Throughout, chapters will review current applications of neuroimaging in neurodegenerative disorders, like dementia and movement disorders, and increase knowledge of quantification and semi-quantification methods for neuroimaging. Imaging methods such as PET/CT and PET/MR are covered, as well as more advanced technologies like artificial intelligence algorithms and novel radiotracers. Chapters are also intended to improve competency in reporting and interpretation skills with structured information on current practice. The book concludes with a collection of up to date practice cases for the interpretation of neurodegeneration in nuclear medicine imaging.

This is an ideal guide for nuclear medicine physicians, neuroradiologists, neurologists, residents, trainees, and related medical professionals caring for patients with neurodegeneration.

Donna Cross, PhD is an Associate Professor in the department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences at the University of Utah with 20 years experience using neuroimaging to study neurodegenerative disease and CNS disorders. Her goal is to make a significant impact on therapeutic and diagnostic options for neurological disorders through imaging. Dr. Cross’ research focuses on the innovative use of imaging technology to provide a translational bridge between bench top and patient, and to advance biological discovery though novel applications of imaging and data analysis. She was the Associate Chair for Scientific Abstracts for the Scientific Program Committee of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging from 2019-2022 and served as the President of the SNMMI Brain Imaging Council in 2022/2023.

Karina Mosci, MD is chief of the PET/CT department of the Hospital das Forças Armadas Armadas (HFA) and Hospital Santa Lucia in Brasilia-Brazil. She has focused her career in clinical practice, and is very enthusiastic about advancing nuclear medicine applications. Her passion for technology and education led her to work as a consultant and speaker for nuclear medicine and PET/CT for several years. Dr. Mosci's involvement with neuroimaging began in 2009, after a PET/CT neuroimaging fellowship at the University of Washington. She is an advocate for the development of the field through accessible education. She has organized several educational courses nationally and internationally and served as President of Imaging Brain Imaging Council at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.

Satoshi Minoshima, MD, PhD is Professor and Anne G. Osborn Chair of the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City. He is subspecialized in Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. He has published numerous articles, book chapters, proceedings, and abstracts and given educational lectures internationally. He invented a diagnostic statistical mapping technology that is used in more than 50 countries worldwide and discovered a very early sign of Alzheimer's disease and metabolic signature of Dementia with Lewy bodies using brain PET imaging. He served as the President of Brain Imaging Council of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI), Chair of the SNMMI Scientific Program Committee, the President of the SNMMI, and the Chair of Molecular Imaging Committee of Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).  He is currently serving as the Chair on the SNMMI Value Initiative and the Chair on the RSNA Research and Education Foundation Board of Trustees.